Test Report: Integra DHC-9.9 A/V controller Page 3

TEST BENCH

DOLBY DIGITAL PERFORMANCE All data were obtained from various test DVDs using 16-bit dithered test signals, which set limits on measured distortion and noise performance. Reference input level is -20 dBFS; reference output 200 mV into 100 kohms. Volume setting for reference level was +2. All level trims at zero, except for subwoofer-related tests, all speakers were set to "large," subwoofer on. All are worst-case figures where applicable. Distortion ref. (THD+N, 1 kHz) 0.004% Noise level (A-wtd): -75.8 dB Excess noise (with sine tone) 16-bit (EN16): 0.2 dB Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0, -0.15 dB

MULTICHANNEL PERFORMANCE, ANALOG INPUT Reference input and output level is 200 mV; volume setting for reference output level was +2. Distortion (THD+N, 1 kHz,): 0.004% Noise level (A-wtd.): -101.2 Frequency response: <10 Hz to 200 kHz +0, -2.5 dB

STEREO PERFORMANCE, DIGITAL INPUT Reference level is -20 dBFS for 200 mV output; all level trims at zero. Volume setting for reference level was -+2.5 Distortion at reference level: 0.003% Linearity error (at -90 dBFS): 0.04 dB Noise level (A-wtd): -75.6 dB with 96-kHz/24-bit signals: -90.1 dB Excess noise (with/without sine tone) 16-bit (EN16): 0.1/0.3 dB quasi-20-bit (EN20): 6.1/6.2 dB Noise modulation: 0.0 dB Frequency response: <10 Hz to 20 kHz +0, -0.15 dB with 96-kHz/24-bit signals: <10 Hz to 44 kHz +0, -1 dB

BASS-MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE Measured results obtained with Dolby Digital test signals. Subwoofer-output frequency response (crossover set to 80 Hz): 24 dB/octave (approx.) above -6-dB rolloff point of 80 Hz High-pass-filter frequency response (crossover set to 80 Hz): 12 dB/octave below -3-dB rolloff point of 80 Hz Maximum unclipped subwoofer output (trim at 0): 7.3v Subwoofer distortion (from 6-channel, 30-Hz, 0-dBFS signal; subwoofer trim set to 0): 0.02% Crossover consistency: bass crossover frequency and slope were consistent for all sources and formats Signal-format consistency: consistent for all applicable formats Speaker size selection: all channels can be set to "small" Speaker-distance compensation: available for all main channels.

Given the excellent performance of previous Integra designs, it was not too surprising that the DHC-9.9 approached, equaled, or bettered previous benchmarks on virtually every single test. Noise results were particularly outstanding: the Integra pre /pro delivered an impressive -90.1 -dB signal-to-noise ratio with 96/24 PCM stereo input, effectively perfect linearity to -90 dB (and beyond), and was the first component I can remember to have yielded no noise modulation whatsoever on our repetitive fade-to-noise test. Crossover filter behavior was also exemplary, delivering near-perfect curves and "knee" points with both digital and analog signals. Simply put: state of the art.

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